Why the Test is Performed

Normal Results

A normal result means no antibodies to the anthrax bacteria was seen in your blood sample. However, during the early stages of infection, your body may only produce a few antibodies, which the blood test may miss. The test may need to be repeated in 10 days - 2 weeks.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means antibodies to B. anthracis have been detected and you may have anthrax disease. However, some people come in contact with the bacteria and do not develop the disease.

To determine if you have a current infection, your health care provider will look for an increase in the antibody count after a few weeks.

Risks

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Excessive bleeding

Fainting or feeling light-headed

Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)

Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Considerations

The best test for diagnosing anthrax is a culture of affected tissue or blood.

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